On
Tuesday, 17 December, Palestinian fishermen will pitch a protest tent
in the Gaza seaport. The structure, which will stand for three days and
be decorated with pictures of fishermen attacked or captured by the
Israeli navy, is a demonstration against Israel’s naval blockade of the
Gaza Strip and its military attacks on Palestinian fishermen.
Fishermen
who have previously been attacked or captured, as well as
representatives of fishing and human rights organizations, will be
available for interviews. Palestinian and international supporters
speaking Arabic, Catalan, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese,
Spanish and Swedish will also participate.
“As fishermen, we want
people to stand in solidarity with us, to free Gaza waters and guarantee
our full enjoyment of the fundamental right to sail freely, and to stop
Israel’s massive violations against us,” said fisherman and activist
Zakaria Baker. “It’s time to stop all kinds of war crimes against
fishermen. It’s time to end the illegal siege, a form of collective
punishment forbidden under international humanitarian law.”
“Gaza
fishermen are seeking to enjoy their livelihoods based on dignity and
freedom,” said Khalil Shaheen, director of the economic and social
rights unit at the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR). “Let
people live their normal lives. End all collective punishment. Respect
human rights in all circumstances.”
The “Free the Holy Land Sea”
campaign is supported by PCHR, Activists for Palestinian Prisoners, the
al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, the General Union of Fishermen, the
International Solidarity Movement, the Palestinian Press Network,
Supporters for Fishermen’s Rights, and the Unadikum Association.
The tent will stand from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, 17 December through Thursday, 19 December.